Identification & Site Information

•Wreck Name: SS Charles S. Price

•Wreck Type: Steel Bulk Freighter

•Coordinates: Approximate: 43°00′00″N 82°30′00″W

•Location: Lake Huron, near the U.S.-Canada border, southeast of Port Huron, Michigan

•Depth: 70-75 feet (21-23 meters)

•Date of Loss: November 9, 1913

Vessel Type Description

The SS Charles S. Price was a state-of-the-art steel-hulled bulk freighter built in 1910 by the American Ship Building Company in Lorain, Ohio. Measuring 504 feet in length, 52 feet in beam, and 28 feet in depth, it was designed to transport bulk cargo like coal, iron ore, and grain efficiently across the Great Lakes. Its triple-expansion steam engine and Gross Tonnage of 6,322 tons reflected the cutting-edge engineering of the time, making it one of the most modern freighters in the Great Lakes fleet.

History

The Charles S. Price is one of the most famous casualties of the Great Lakes Storm of 1913, also known as the White Hurricane. This catastrophic storm struck the region from November 7 to November 10, 1913, with hurricane-force winds exceeding 75 mph, towering waves, and heavy snowfall. The storm claimed 12 ships, including the Charles S. Price, and over 250 lives, marking it as the deadliest storm in Great Lakes history.

On its final voyage, the Charles S. Price was carrying a cargo of coal from Ashtabula, Ohio, to Fort William, Ontario. The ship encountered the storm on November 9, 1913, and was unable to withstand the relentless waves and winds. The Price sank during the night, taking all 28 crew members to their deaths.

The following day, the ship was discovered floating upside down in Lake Huron, creating a chilling sight for those who encountered it. Its identity was initially unknown due to the lack of visible markings, leading to widespread speculation. After several days, the overturned vessel was confirmed to be the Charles S. Price, making it the first large shipwreck ever found upside down in the Great Lakes. The grim discovery underscored the storm’s severity and its devastating impact on Great Lakes shipping.

Final Disposition

The wreck of the Charles S. Price eventually settled on the bothttps://shotlinediving.com/wp-content/uploads/52895851813_b64678c0f7_c.jpg of Lake Huron in about 70-75 feet of water. Despite being submerged for over a century, much of the ship remains relatively intact. The wreck has become a well-known dive site, attracting divers interested in exploring Great Lakes maritime history. Its preserved structure offers a haunting glimpse into the catastrophic storm that led to its demise.

NOTMARs & Advisories

•Current Status: Marked on nautical charts as a known wreck site.

•Diver Cautions: Potential hazards include strong currents, entanglement risks, and cold water temperatures typical of Lake Huron. Divers should use appropriate equipment and exercise caution when exploring the site.

Located By & Date

•Initial Discovery: November 10, 1913, when the vessel was found floating upside down after the storm.

•Subsequent Location: Later identified on the lakebed, southeast of Port Huron.

Resources & Links

•Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society: Information on the storm and shipwrecks of 1913.

•Marine Museum of the Great Lakes at Kingston: Explore exhibits on the Great Lakes Storm of 1913.

•NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory: Insights into the storm and its impact.

•Bowling Green State University Great Lakes Vessels Database: Detailed records of the Charles S. Price.

Conclusion

The loss of the SS Charles S. Price during the Great Lakes Storm of 1913 represents one of the most tragic and significant events in Great Lakes maritime history. As one of 12 vessels lost in the storm, it highlights the tremendous risks faced by mariners navigating the Great Lakes, especially during harsh autumn weather. Today, the wreck serves as a memorial to the lives lost and as a key site for those interested in exploring and preserving Great Lakes history.

Keywords

#SSCharlesSPrice #GreatLakesStorm1913 #LakeHuronShipwrecks #WhiteHurricane #MaritimeHistory #SteelFreighter #GreatLakesDiving #PortHuron #GreatLakesShipwrecks #HistoricWreckSites